"Properties" tab
CYPE 3D - "Properties" tab
Options in the "Properties" tab
The top tab "Properties" (accessible in the bottom tab "Structure") contains the options for defining the properties of nodes, bars and shells of the structure, as well as those for defining rigid diaphragms. It includes the following:
- in the "Diaphragms" group, the options for entering, generating and editing rigid diaphragms in the model;
- in the "Nodes" group, the options for editing the properties of the structure's nodes, such as defining internal and external connections or ties between nodes;
- in the "Bars" group, the options for editing bar properties, such as those related to buckling and lateral buckling, or entering bracing pairs, end connections and bracing, plastic hinges and deflection groups;
- and in the "Shells" group, the options for editing shell properties, such as the definition of internal and external ties or force integration strips.
Defining internal fixity in nodes
The internal fixity in the nodes of the structure is defined with the following option, available in the "Nodes" group of the top toolbar, in the "Properties" tab (in the "Structure" tab).
Internal fixity
Enters internal fixity. Internal fixities are those that relate the ends of the bars that are connected to the same node.
To do this, after clicking on the option, select the nodes where the fixity is to be defined one by one or draw a selection box that covers them with the left mouse button. Finally, click on the right mouse button.
The program then opens a window where users can choose the type of internal fixity from the following:
Fixed node
The "Fixed node" option defines a perfect fixity between all the bars that are connected to the node. As a result, they share the displacements and rotation angles in the design. This is the default option when entering new nodes or bars.
This is represented by a blue box symbol on the model display.
Fixed node with partial fixity coefficient for all its elements
The "Fixed node with partial fixity coefficient for all its elements" option is used to enter the partial fixity coefficient ("Part.Fix.Coeff.") which defines the degree of recessing between the parts that reach the node. The value can be between 0, which corresponds to a pinned connection, and a very large value, which corresponds to a fixity.
This is represented by the symbol of a double blue circle in the model display.
Pinned node
The "Pinned node" option defines a perfect link between all the elements that reach the node. In this case, the program uses a single blue circle above the node to represent the fixity.
Generic node
The "Generic node" option is used to specify the degree of fixity between different groups of bars or shells that are attached to the node.
A diagram of the bars or shells is shown on the left. Each one is identified with the same reference letter as shown in the model display.
The table on the right describes the internal links between these elements. Each of the columns represents a bar or shell reaching the node and may have only one mark, which will be placed on one of the lines.
The bars or shells with the marking on the same line are embedded into each other and are linked with the rest of the bars or shells. In the diagram on the left, the elements embedded in each other are shown connected with the same circle.
If the box in the second column is activated, the elements with the same marking will be partially connected to the node. In this case, the value of the partial fixity coefficient ("Part.Fix.Coeff.") is written in the third column. This coefficient can take any positive value, with 0 corresponding to a joint.
If the box in the second column is unchecked, the program will not apply the defined partial embedding coefficient value.
In the diagram on the left, elements that are partially embedded are represented by a red line connecting them to the centre of the node.
Defining external fixity in nodes
The external fixity in the nodes of the structure is defined with the following option, available in the "Nodes" group of the top toolbar, in the "Properties" tab (in the "Structure" tab).
External fixity
Enters external fixity. External fixities restrict the displacement or rotation of the nodes of the structure and correspond to the supports on the ground and on other elements outside the model.
To do this, after clicking on the option, select the nodes where the connection is to be defined one by one or draw a selection box that covers them with the left mouse button. Finally, click on the right mouse button.
The program will open a window where the type of "External fixity".
Free
By default, a newly inserted node will be "Free", i.e. it will not have any external fixities.
The other options are used to define external fixity in the node.
Generic
The "Generic" option manually defines the restrictions on "Displacements" and "Rotations" in the three directions of the space.
Displacements
"Displacements" can be "Independent", "Over a straight line" or "Over a plane".
In case they are defined as "Independent", the behaviour of the displacements in the three axes, "Dx", "Dy" and "Dz", is specified:
- If "Free", the displacement in that direction shall not be constrained.
- If "Fixed", the displacement is constrained and takes a fixed value. By default, this value is null, unless the "Prescribed displacements" option has been used from the "Load" tab, in which case it will assume this value.
- If "Elastic" is selected, the program assumes an elastic support in that direction. On the right, the elastic constant of the support is written in the units indicated, and its "Direction" is specified (it can act in "Both" directions or only in "Negative" or "Positive" directions).
If the "Displacements" are defined "Over a straight line", the node can only be displaced in the direction of the director vector defined by the X, Y and Z components entered on the right. In the directions perpendicular to this line, users specify whether the support is "Fixed" or "Elastic".
If the "Displacements" are defined "Over a plane", the node can only be displaced in the plane perpendicular to the vector defined by the X, Y and Z components entered. Similarly, in the direction perpendicular to the plane, users indicate whether the support is "Fixed" or "Elastic".
Rotations
In the "Rotations", "Gx", "Gy" and "Gz", choose "Free" if the rotation is not constrained in the indicated direction, "Fixed" if the rotation is constrained and takes a fixed and null value, or "Elastic" if the constraint to the rotation is elastic, in which case the constant governing the rotational stiffness of the support must be written and, in addition, its "Direction" is specified (it may act in "Both" directions or only in "Negative" or "Positive" directions).
The other options in the "External fixity" panel correspond to predefined external fixities that simplify data entry to speed up the process.
Fixity
The "Fixity" option prevents "Displacements" ("Dx", "Dy" and "Dz") and "Rotations" ("Gx", "Gy" and "Gz") in the three directions of the selected node.
Each prevented displacement or rotation must be defined as "Fixed" or "Elastic".
Pinned connection
The "Pinned connection" option prevents only the "Displacements" ("Dx", "Dy" and "Dz") in the three directions of the selected node.
Each prevented displacement or rotation must be defined as "Fixed" or "Elastic".
Free displacements on a straight line in X, Y or Z directions
These options define free displacements over a straight line in the global directions X, Y or Z.
The options in the first row constitute freely movable fixities and also constrain the rotation:
- Free displacement over a straight line in X direction
- Free displacement over a straight line in Y direction
- Free displacement over a straight line in Z direction
Those in the second row constitute supports with free displacement and hold the rotations without constraint:
- Free displacement over a straight line in the X direction with unrestrained rotations
- Free displacement over a straight line in the Y direction with unrestrained rotations
- Free displacement over a straight line in the Z direction with unrestrained rotations
In all these cases, the components of the line's director vector are already defined in the numerical fields in grey. Users simply indicate whether the displacement or rotation in each of the directions shown is "Fixed" or "Elastic".
Free displacements over any straight line
The following options define a free displacement over any straight line, with coerced rotations or with uncoerced rotations:
In all these cases, the components of the line's director vector are already defined in the numerical fields in grey. Users simply indicate whether the displacement or rotation in each of the directions shown is "Fixed" or "Elastic".
Free displacements on a plane parallel to the XY, XZ or YZ axes
The following options are used to define free displacements in a plane parallel to the global XY, XZ or YZ axes.
The options in the first row constitute freely displacement fixities and also constrain rotations:
- Free displacement in a plane parallel to XY axes
- Free displacement in a plane parallel to XZ axes
- Free displacement in a plane parallel to YZ axes
Those in the second row constitute supports with free displacement and hold the rotations without constraint:
- Free displacement in a plane parallel to the XY-axes with unconstrained rotation
- Free displacement in a plane parallel to the XZ-axes with unconstrained rotation
- Free displacement in a plane parallel to the YZ-axes with unconstrained rotation
In all these cases, the components of the vector perpendicular to the plane are already defined in the numerical fields in grey. Users simply indicate whether the displacement or rotation in each of the directions shown is "Fixed" or "Elastic".
Free displacements over any plane
Finally, a free displacement on any plane can be defined, with forced or uncoerced rotations:
- Free displacement in any plane
- Free displacement in any plane with unconstrained rotations
The components of the vector perpendicular to the plane must be entered and users must indicate whether the displacement or rotation in each of the directions shown is "Fixed" or "Elastic".
Licenses and related modules
CYPE programs are activated via electronic licenses which may contain one or more modules. The list of modules compatible with each program may vary depending on the product purchased and the type of license.
To consult the list of modules compatible with this program, go to "CYPE program modules".
Please note that the list of modules available in the license will depend on the product purchased.
